We hope summer never ends (you were thinking it too). So we’re soaking up every last minute of fun while we can – with these South Jersey events. 

Sand Sculpting Contest 

July 3 

Whether you want to try your hand at building a sandy masterpiece or admire the work of this year’s competitors, stop by the 6th Street beach in Ocean City for the annual sand sculpting contest. Registration begins at 9 am (and is free), and judging takes place by 11 am. For more information, visit the website. 

Freedom Festival 

July 4 

Dance the night away as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Spinners, perform at Wiggins Park for the county’s Freedom Festival. The festival starts at 6 pm, with The Spinners performing at 8 pm followed by a fireworks spectacular. For more information, visit the website. 

Cape May County Lifeguard Championships 

July 7 

Cheer on local lifeguards as they compete on the Wildwood beach for the title of champion. The competition starts at 6:15 pm, featuring events including surf dash relay, rowing, open paddleboard racing and more. For more information, visit the website. 

Night Climb 

July 7

See views of the Jersey coast after dark during Barnegat Lighthouse’s night climb, featuring a cello performance. The free climbs run from 7 to 9 pm, and space is limited on a first-come-first-serve basis. For more information, visit the website. 

Caribbean Festival 

July 12 

Celebrate the rhythms, food and culture of the Caribbean during the 25th Annual South Jersey Caribbean Festival. The free festival runs from 2 to 8 pm along Broadway. For more information, visit the website. 

Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival 

July 12 & 13 

Browse the works of more than 200 juried artists as they display fine art and craft along Kings Highway for the 31st Annual Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival. The two-day outdoor festival runs from 11 am to 7 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday between Washington and Haddon Avenue. For more information, visit the website. 

Children’s Gardening Workshop Series

July 14 – 18 

Learn about water cycles, bees, butterflies and more with your little one during Camden County’s week-long children’s workshop. The workshop runs from 10 am to noon at the Camden County Office of Sustainability, covering a different topic each day. Cost is $20 per child, and includes the entire week of classes. For more information, visit the website. 

Soar and Shore Festival 

July 14 – 20 

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Actually, it’s several…high-flying entertainment hits the skies over Atlantic City for an afternoon of performances featuring wingwalking, skydiving and vintage aircrafts. The show begins at noon on July 16, with a practice day on July 15, and plenty of other events throughout the week. For a full schedule, visit the website. 

Morning Walk in the Park 

July 15 

Explore the grounds of Historic Smithville Park & Smith’s Woods and get a jump start on your daily steps with a guided morning walk featuring stops to admire the park’s features. The free walk begins at Smithville Visitor Center at 9 am and lasts an hour and 15 minutes. For more information, visit the website. 

World Snake Day

July 16 

Slither over to Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge to celebrate a truly unique holiday with special crafts, snake artifacts, visits from resident snakes and much more fun. The event runs all day. For more information, visit the website. 

Christmas in July at the Lighthouse

July 25 

Santa’s coming to town! Stop by the Cape May Lighthouse to see Santa on his summer vacation, play games, take photos and shop from regional vendors selling handmade items. The free event runs from 9 am to 2 pm. For more information, visit the website.